MINT BORE** Crimean War Era** 1856 Dated, Tower Enfield, 2nd Pattern 1853, 3 Band .577 Percussion Calibre Rifle. Sn - 23230:4 MINT BORE** Crimean War Era** 1856 Dated, Tower Enfield, 2nd Pattern 1853, 3 Band .577 Percussion Calibre Rifle. Sn - 23230:4 Muzzleloader Various Rifle

This is a nice Crimean War era Tower, 2nd Pattern 1853, 3 Band percussion rifle that was produced from 1855 to 1858, being replaced by the Third model. The 2nd pattern is distinctive in having the solid barrel bands retained by spring clips inletted into the stock. The 1st, 3rd and 4th models al had screw clamping barrel bands. The barrel bands bear tower proofs. The double lined lock plate is stamped With Queens Crown VR (Victoria Regina) TOWER 1856 (date) and two tower inspection marks. The rifle is complete with its 1000 yards ladder rear sight, block and blade fore sight, sling swivels and cleaning rod. The rifle retains all of its original brass butt plate, fore end block and trigger guard with extended tang. The fore end cap is the correct brass one retained by two rivets to the stock. The barrel retains most of its blued finish with a mint bore and crisp rifling. The barrel is profusely stamped with Tower proof marks near the breech The cocking and firing actions are crisp and the woodwork is in good condition with only the minor marks from service use. The top of the brass butt plate is stamped with the rack number 224 and the rear of the stock is stamped PIMLICO 1862 in a roundel and 2 indicating this rifle was refurbished at Pimlico in 1862 and later issued to reserved regiments. The rifle measures 55 ½” long with a 39” barrel. See 69page 50, item 48 in British Military Longarms 1815-1865 by D.W.Bailey for a full description and Section A, Muzzle Loading Arms items RB 33 in Catalogue of the Enfield Pattern Room, British Rifles, published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. The price includes UK delivery. NB This is an antique obsolete calibre rifle and no licence is required to own it in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 23230:4